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The Lion King Reigns Supreme Over Broadway: Grosses to Reach Record-Setting $1 Billion

October 17th, 2013 | By Broadway.com Staff

The Lion King will make Broadway history later this month as the first show to gross more than $1 billion. "This humbling milestone is a testament to the vision and artistry of Julie Taymor,” Thomas Schumacher, President and Producer Disney Theatrical Productions, said in a statement. “For nearly 17 years she has been The Lion King’s guiding creative force and an inspiration to the show’s brilliant cast, musicians and crew. But above all, we thank our loving audiences who continue to be moved and delighted night after night at the Minskoff Theatre and all around the world.”

Another record recently fell when The Lion King exceeded the $952 million worldwide box office take of the original film. Additionally, although the musical is only the fifth longest-running Broadway show, it surpassedThe Phantom of the Opera, Broadway’s longest running production, as the Great White Way’s highest-grossing show of all time in April 2012. Over the course of its 6,600-plus Broadway performances, The Lion King has played below 80 percent capacity less than a dozen times.

The stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning 1994 Disney film, The Lion King tells the classic journey of young royal heir Simba. Directed by Taymor, with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, The Lion King opened on Broadway on November 13, 1997, at the New Amsterdam Theater, before transferring to the Minskoff in 2006. The Lion King won six Tony Awards in 1998 including Best Musical.